Long-term outcome of fingertip reconstruction with the homodigital neurovascular island flap.

INTRODUCTION: Fingertip injuries are frequent and several surgical strategies exist to reconstruct the amputated part and restore function and appearance. Yet, long-term results are rarely published. The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term clinical outcome of neurovascular island flaps for traumatic fingertip amputation of Allen type III/IV injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed a cohort of patients with traumatic fingertip amputation that underwent reconstruction with a neurovascular island flap from January 2003 to December 2014. No mandatory splinting was applied after surgery. 28 participants (29 fingers) were available for follow-up at mean 8 years after reconstruction. Activities of daily living were measured with the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire. Grip strength and finger motion were assessed using a Jamar dynamometer and a goniometer. Two-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were used to evaluate sensory recovery. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications occurred and all flaps survived. Mean flap size was 4.7 ± 0.6 cm2. Active motion of the fingers was over 95% of the contralateral side at follow-up. Three patients showed mild extension lag of the proximal interphalangeal joint. The grip strength of the affected hand and of each of the affected fingers was over 70% of the contralateral side. In comparison to the contralateral side we did not detect any significant difference for the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, but two-point discrimination (5.1 ± 1.7 mm) was significantly impaired. According to the Lim classification 1 of 14 nails with hook nail deformity showed grade 3 breaking of the nail. The DASH score was 16.0. All patients returned to their original occupation and patient satisfaction with the procedure was high. CONCLUSIONS: The risk for disabling flexion contracture seems to be small even without mandatory splinting. Neurovascular island flaps for fingertip amputation of Allen type III/IV injuries are a reliable tool in fingertip reconstruction in the long term.

[NITINOL shape memory staple for osteosynthesis of the scaphoid]. / Formgedächtnisklammer aus NITINOL ("memory staple") zur Osteosynthese des Skaphoids.

OBJECTIVE: Reconstruction of the scaphoid with use of NITINOL shape "memory" staples. INDICATIONS: Unstable fractures and nonunion of the middle third of the scaphoid, which need open reduction and internal fixation from palmar. The staples can only be used, if the arms of the staples can be inserted parallel to and at a distance of 3 mm to the fracture line. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Allergy to nickel. Cases in which the arms of the staple cannot be inserted parallel to and at best 3 mm apart from the fracture line. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: In fractures, open reduction of the scaphoid through a palmar approach. If necessary, interposition of a bone graft and Kirschner wire transfixation. Drilling of the drill holes parallel and at a distance of 3 mm to the fracture line. Insertion of the NITINOL staple. In nonunion, excision of the fibrous nonunion, refreshening of the fracture surfaces, interposition of a bone graft and, if needed, fixation with a Kirschner wire. Drilling of the drill holes for the NITINOL staple and insertion of the staple. Within a few minutes the warming-up staple contracts and thereby compresses the scaphoid. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Immobilization in a short cast with thumb support for 6 weeks. Control for bone healing by radiographs or computed tomography. Staples, which do not cause hardware problems, are not removed. Kirschner wires are removed after bone healing. RESULTS: From October 1995 to December 2006, the authors used NITINOL staples for 65 osteosyntheses of the scaphoid. Indications were 15 unstable fractures, 47 nonunions, and three partial necroses. 61 out of 65 scaphoids healed without further surgery, three of the 61 patients showed a delayed healing. Two of the four nonunions were related to the use of the NITINOL staples. Seven staples were removed, one for loosening. NITINOL shape memory staples have proven to be very helpful for osteosynthesis in fractures and nonunion of the scaphoid, if the prerequisites are given for their use.